Thanks to the car’s relatively low weight of 1,220kg, a low centre of gravity helped by the boxer engine design, and a chassis developed with a focus on rigidity, the Japanese sports car promises agile handling alongside modest, rather than mind-blowing, performance.

Subaru is yet to release any official data for the BRZ, but expect 0-62mph to be completed in around seven seconds – more or less the same as the Toyota GT86 sister car.

The BRZ coupé features a large front air dam, prominent chunky wheel arches, 17-inch alloy wheels and a squat, sweeping bonnet highlighting the motor’s low mounting position in the engine bay.

The rear-biased cabin gives the car a balanced view in profile according to Subaru, while a rear diffuser and twin tailpipes at the back reinforce the BRZ’s sporting nature.
2012 Subaru BRZ: On sale July 2012

The Subaru BRZ goes on sale in the UK in July this year, though the Japanese manufacturer is yet to release any pricing and specification details for the new car.

It is expected to be more expensive that the Toyota version, however, and the GT86 goes on sale in June priced from £24,995. Subaru plans to sell comparatively small numbers of the BRZ, but is likely to offer increased amounts of standard equipment.

We should know more once the car is finally revealed in all its European glory at the Geneva Motor Show next month.